Beacon of Hope
In Stock July 15, 2025
by Ken Willard
“Beacon of Hope is a master class for pastors, laity, local churches, districts, annual conferences.” James L. Friday
Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People is an inspiring and practical guidebook for pastors, church leaders, and congregations eager to revitalize their ministries by embracing the call to reach out, invite, and warmly welcome new people into the life of the church. With decades of experience as a church consultant and coach, Ken Willard provides a deeply personal, biblically grounded, and highly accessible resource tailored for today’s unique challenges and opportunities in ministry.
Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition and drawing from the wisdom of John and Susanna Wesley, Willard recaptures the heart of evangelism—not as an outdated term or uncomfortable obligation, but as a living, relational discipline that invites people into the transforming love of Christ. He reframes evangelism and witness in language that is grace-filled, relational, and grounded in authentic Christian community. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a lay leader new to outreach, this book speaks directly to the practical realities of leading churches in a post-pandemic, often divided culture.
The book is organized into two main sections: Reaching New People and Welcoming New People. Readers will find tools to reflect on their own discipleship, identify their personal “fishing ponds,” and practice active listening—key skills for building bridges with unchurched friends, neighbors, and coworkers. He challenges leaders to be bold yet gentle, intentional yet adaptable, and always motivated by love rather than anxiety or agenda.
In the second half of the book, the focus shifts to hospitality—not as a committee duty or greeter’s role, but as a core spiritual practice of the entire congregation. Willard explores how churches can become more welcoming both in person and online, embracing accessibility in its fullest sense—not just physical, but emotional, relational, and cultural. He addresses common barriers that unintentionally keep new people at a distance and provides creative solutions for removing them, such as developing intentional follow-up systems, creating hospitable environments, and empowering congregants to be everyday inviters and bridge-builders.
What sets this book apart is its blend of spiritual depth and practicality. Willard does not shy away from hard questions or cultural realities. Instead, he provides a hopeful, empowering path forward, reminding readers that they are not alone in this work—God is already moving in their communities, and the church is called to join in.
Beacon of Hope is more than a book—it’s a call to action, a field guide for faithful innovation, and a companion for leaders seeking to reclaim the joy of seeing lives changed by the love of Christ. Whether used for personal growth, team discussions, or churchwide initiatives, this resource will equip your ministry to shine brighter and reach further than ever before.
What readers are saying:
“Beacon of Hope is more than a ministry manual—it is a lifeline for congregations yearning to reclaim their call to be salt and light in their communities. This book meets the church where it is and offers tangible steps forward rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of grace, community, and transformation. It is essential reading for leaders who long to see their congregations become true beacons of hope in a fragmented world.”
Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church
“If your church is ready to move from maintenance to mission, Beacon of Hope will light the way! Ken Willard brings clarity, inspiration, and hands-on tools to help pastors and lay leaders reach new people and create a culture of radical welcome. This book doesn’t just inspire—it equips. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m excited to see how it sparks renewal in churches everywhere. I encourage every church team to read it together, reflect deeply, and put its wisdom into action.”
Rev. Bener Baysa Agtarap, Ph D.
Executive Director of Path 1 at the General Board of Discipleship Ministries
“Beacon of Hope is a master class for pastors, laity, local churches, districts, annual conferences, and for all of those who want to faithfully in loving obedience, grow and mature as they follow Jesus Christ in His Way of Life and Living. This a much-needed practical guide for Christ Church and the world.
James L. Friday
Director of Congregational Development, South Carolina Conference
“If you’re ready to step out of the building and into your neighborhood, this book is your blueprint. Drawing on years of consulting experience, Ken Willard weaves together sound Wesleyan theology, practical strategies for evangelism and hospitality, and a heart for inclusivity and accessibility. This book is a gift for anyone seeking to cultivate a culture of radical welcome, empowered by prayer, deep listening, and the relentless love of Christ.”
Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck
Author of Painting with Ashes and Never Alone: Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World
“I highly recommend Beacon of Hope to both lay and clergy alike to deepen our faith-sharing practices. The Wesleys wholeheartedly embraced the idea that the farther we want to go in our life in Christ, the farther outward into the world we must travel. This is why, in the Methodist Movement, our two primary directives from Wesley are: love God and love your neighbor. These were also We must figure out how to faith share with our neighbors.”
Bishop Bob Farr
Resident Bishop, Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
In Stock July 15, 2025